I think this is cool

[Alpo]

I've mentioned The Faded Page a time or twa. They take old books that are out of copyright and turn them into ebooks and post them on their website for free download.

 

This morning I found a book of children's stories about China. From 1925. So, of course, it is now in my library.

https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20191003

 

Some authors will have an acknowledgement in the front of the book. "I wish to thank so-and-so for all of their help" kind of thing.

 

Here is the acknowledgement from Shen of the Sea.

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have heard
That the Plain of Fat Melons
Is more than flat.
It is hollowed like a bowl.
And my purse
Was quite as flat.
Then the Philadelphia North American,
And What To Do, of Elgin,
Bought some of my stories—
Paying good round money—
Which the baker was quick to take from me.
Furthermore,
These papers
Have given permission
To put the stories in a Book.
And the Book
Is open before you.
The North American,
And What To Do,
Have been as kind to me
As Wu Ta Lang was
To the red cherry tree.
And I thank them—

Not once—but twice—

And twice that—
More times than there are leaves
In Hu Pei Forest.